Ruby Gonzalez trying to make the grade as a female jockey on New Mexico circuit

Ruby Gonzalez looks over the horses that were set to run in the next race she was scheduled to ride on a recent day at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. (Photos by Ruben R. Ramirez — El Paso Times)

SUNLAND PARK >>Throughout history, the world of horse racing has had a few good female jockeys such as Julie Krone or Rosie Napravnik.

At Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino, an up and coming rider by the name of Ruby Gonzalez is trying to make a name for herself on the New Mexico circuit, with dreams of making it big on a national scale.

"It's been a learning experience, that's for sure," said the 21-year-old, who graduated from Coronado High School in west El Paso. "It's not always been easy to breakthrough in the sport of horse racing. I had to learn how to ride, I had to get stronger, I had to learn how to deal with the weight and I had to make my way by working hard and making connections. As jockeys, we all have goals of doing well on a consistent basis. There are lots of good riders to compete against."

Nationally, it is estimated that only about 70 of the 750 licensed jockeys are women, according to the Jockey's Guild.

At Sunland Park, Gonzalez is one of four women jockeys.

In her first two years of riding — in 2011 and 2012 — it was tough going for Gonzalez, with just 111 total mounts and just eight wins combined and another seven horses that hit the board.

But last year at the summer meet in Ruidoso, things began to turn for Gonzalez. She had a successful summer and wound up finishing 2013 with 13 wins from 179 starts. But she also had 39 horses finish second or third, proving that she could compete with the men.

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"I wanted to stay in the sport but I was thinking I might want to go the way of training horses," Gonzalez admitted. "I was having a hard time getting mounts and it was tough being successful as a jockey. But it turned out for the best. I'm really glad the riding career jump-started because I really love riding and competing. There is nothing easy about being a jockey but it can be very satisfying when you do well. I know there is ups and downs and plenty of challenges, but I'm focused now and ready to tackle the challenge."

So far, 2014 hasn't been too bad either. She is winning some and has had several other horses hit the board at Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino. So far this year in 67 starts heading into this past weekend's races, she has won eight races with six seconds and six thirds. "A lot of people are talking about her talent," said Miguel Flores, who has helped aid Gonzalez' career by serving as her jockey agent. "She knows what's she doing on the horse. She's aggressive and she's smart. I believe Ruby has a bright future in the sport."

Gonzalez has ridden mostly in maiden claiming and claiming races, but the goal for Gonzalez is to be where many of the good riders are, and that's riding in allowance and stakes races on a consistent basis. In her young career, she has yet to win a stakes race. A horse competing in a maiden race has not yet won a race.

El Paso jockey Ruby Gonzalez and her horse finish in second place at a recent Sunland Park race.

"I just have to be patient and things will go well." Gonzalez said. "I have to look at every mount as a chance to improve and to impress."

Having three other women jockeys around her has helped.

"I talk to the other women at the track and I learn from them," Gonzalez said. "For me, this is what I do and I go about my business every day."

Gonzalez rides for a few trainers, including Sal Gonzalez (no relation), Todd Fincher and Henry Dominguez. Fincher and Dominguez are two of the most successful trainers in New Mexico.

"She's improved tremendously in the past year," Sal Gonzalez said. "She is a very determined person and she works at her craft. Ruby wanted to ride a few years ago but had to really learn the trade and she's applied herself. I'm a former jockey myself and when I first saw Ruby, I saw that she was a natural. She's a very good judge of pace in a race, she is strong and she listens well. I think she will continue to get a lot of mounts because of her ability to improve and to make the right adjustments."

Ruby Gonzalez isn't just about horse racing.

Growing up, she was an accomplished violin player and was involved in mariachi music, along with her family.

"Music was a big part of my life for many years and it was important to me," she said. "It helped me grow in a lot of ways. But horse racing and being a jockey are now my priorities. My goals are many in this sport. I just want to continue to improve and one day be one of the best jockeys out there. I ride at Sunland, Ruidoso and Zia Park in New Mexico and I can make plenty of strides in my career at those tracks. I want to one day be riding in lots of stakes races and I believe that day will one day one come.

"Maybe one day I'll also train horses as well, when my riding days are over. Horse racing is an unique sport and I didn't think I'd be where I am today. But I am happy with my decision and I'm happy."

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